Wood Stoves Safe Ash Removal

Most people are aware of the proper safety techniques for using a fireplace, because they correctly associate fire with possible danger. What a lot of people don’t think about is the danger presented by the ashes from that fire. If improperly disposed of, ashes are just as capable (if not more so) of starting a fire.

Even though a fire might be out, the ashes can still be very hot, and can in fact keep smoldering for days after a fire goes out (because the ash insulates the hot coals below). If you’ve ever stoked a dying fire, or a dead one, you’ve probably noticed that the fire gets hotter again once you expose you expose the coals to air again.

Thus, the safest way to dispose of hot ash would be to remove the ash from the fireplace, place it in a pail, carry the pail outside, and then soak the remaining ash to ensure there are no remaining hot coals. However, such a disposal method would be time-consuming, not to mention cold, because he wants to run a hose in the middle of winter?

So the second safest way to remove ash is to simply be cautious. Most people use metal buckets for ash, which is perfectly fine. However, the container should be raised from the ground, so that the bottom of the container itself never touches the ground or porch. Just as you would never place a tray from the oven directly on a table or counter top, you’re not going to want to put a bucket full of hot ash directly on a wooden porch, which could possibly catch fire if the bucket sat there long enough.

Also, the bucket or container should have a lid as this will keep air out. Another function of the lid is that it keeps the ash inside the container, meaning that a strong gust of wind won’t swoop in and blow the ash outside onto the porch, into the backyard, and so forth.

Finally, the best way to dispose of ash if you’re not using your fireplace on an almost daily basis is to simply wait for the ash to cool down safely in the fireplace. Stoke the ashes every once in a while to ensure that they’re cool, and then remove them when you’re ready to burn your next fire. If you’re using your fireplace more often, you’ll want to follow the instructions laid out above every time you clean out your fireplace.